Imagine walking into a shop to buy a present. Before you can say a word, the shop assistant hands you a pre-wrapped box. No questions asked. Just a generic gift, given with efficiency but no thought. It might be useful but it lacks meaning.
Now, contrast that with an assistant who takes the time to ask about the recipient. She carefully selects an item that fits the recipient’s personality, wraps it beautifully and adds a handwritten note. Suddenly, the gift feels personal, thoughtful and significant.
‘Giftwrapping’ is something I first learned from Roger Neighbour. It’s particularly applicable for success in the MRCGP SCA.
The Problem: Plain Box Consultations and the SCA
GP trainees often deliver management plans like a generic gift—functional but lacking spark. In the context of the MRCGP SCA, trainees may hand over a list of instructions but patients (or examiners) don’t feel understood, engaged or motivated. It’s like giving them a plain cardboard box—useful but uninspiring.
What if, instead, we presented our management plans in a way that truly connected with each patient? That’s where the GIFT comes in. It’s a simple, powerful method to ensure your offer person-centered care.
The Solution: GIFT Method
G – Gather Insights: Understand the Patient’s Situation
Before making a plan, step into the patient’s world. Understanding their lifestyle, responsibilities and health beliefs builds trust and ensures your plan is practical for them.
✅ Ask open-ended questions:
- “What’s a typical day like for you?”
- “How does this condition affect your work or family life?”
For example, a retired patient may have time to attend regular check-ups but a single parent juggling multiple responsibilities might struggle. Tailoring your approach is crucial, especially for the SCA where contextual awareness can make or break your exam.
I – Individualise the Plan: Make It Work for Them
One-size-fits-all doesn’t work in medicine. Personalise the management plan based on the patient’s routine, preferences and readiness. This is an important component of the SCA, as examiners are looking for appropriate care plans.
✅ Offer flexible options:
- “What feels most achievable for you: focusing on your diet to lose weight or considering other ways to start?”
- “What feels like the best starting point for you: beginning with counselling to explore your feelings or considering medication to address your concerns?”
These questions personalise the care plan by focusing on what truly works for the individual. Every patient’s needs and preferences are unique, so giving them options helps them take ownership of their journey. It builds trust and makes them more committed to following through.
F – Frame the Message: Make It Understandable
Medical jargon creates barriers. Patients need clear, relatable explanations to truly grasp their condition and treatment. This is important for candidates preparing for the SCA, where clear communication is key.
✅ Use analogies and simple language:
Instead of: “You need to take Ramipril for your hypertension.”
Say: “Your blood pressure is high, which is putting extra strain on your heart. This medication works like a pressure release valve to protect it.”
Metaphors help bridge the gap. A patient who enjoys gardening might relate to the idea of watering a plant daily to maintain its health—just as they need to manage their own wellbeing consistently.
T – Tie the Patient Into the Plan: Engage Them in Shared Decision-Making
Patients are more likely to follow a plan they helped shape. Shared decision-making fosters commitment and improves adherence, a crucial aspect to focus on for the MRCGP SCA.
✅ Encourage participation:
- “Would you be open to starting with 5 minutes of physical activity each day?”
- “How confident are you in following this plan?”
A single parent with a hectic schedule may feel more confident committing to gradual lifestyle changes rather than an overwhelming plan. By giving them ownership, you turn a prescription into a partnership.
By applying GIFT method, you’ll transform your consultations. Your management plans will no longer feel like generic instructions but rather personalised solutions that truly engage your patients.
The next time you make a management plan, ask yourself: Is this just a box, or have I truly wrapped it for this patient? To excel in the SCA, the answer should always be the latter.
How Dr Lawrence passed SCA?
After a failed SCA attempt with a score of 69, Dr Lawrence’s confidence was crushed. Check out how Dr Lawrence conquered SCA after this major setback.